World championship win for St George’s registrar

Congratulations to Dr Lawrence Hayes, Specialist Registrar in Neurorehabilitation, on winning gold at the Aquabike World Championships in Pontevedra, Spain earlier this summer.

The championships were organised by the International Triathlon Union and involves a 1.5km swim followed by a gruelling 113km bike ride.

Competing against athletes from all over the world, Lawrence was racing in the male, aged 30-34 group, and finished in first place ahead of 200 or so competitors.

Lawrence told us: “When I was a student at St George’s I used to compete in triathlons, but had to give it up when I qualified. Thanks to a better work-life balance, I was able to pick it up again a year ago.

“I do all my own training and physio, and I think the MDT and goal orientated working in neurorehab has helped to me improve and structure the way I train.

“This was my first international competition so I had no idea where I’d place – the hot conditions made it difficult and I thought I was heading for heat stroke towards the end. I was surprised when another athlete told me I’d actually won.”

Despite the exertions of the race, Lawrence was back at St George’s four days later, where his colleagues in neurorehabilitation were thrilled with his win.

“I posted the news to our group chat and had lots of lovely messages from the multidisciplinary team. Especially from the physios who take a keen interest!”

He will be competing in the triathlon in Russia later this year, as well as in the British championships. Good luck to Lawrence and well done on this incredible achievement!